The Fenton building will now be sold of as part of the Government's plans to close 93 magistrates courts in cuts aimed at saving the taxpayer £41 million.

Speaking at yesterday's ceremony, chairman of the bench Graham Goodall spoke of a bitter-sweet feeling among staff as the court finally closed.

The 66-year-old retired civil engineer said: "We are looking forward to moving to what is effectively a new court with excellent facilities.

"However, there is more than an element of sadness about leaving a building with so much history and which has been our home for so many years."

Mr Goodall was joined by District Judge David Taylor, and several magistrates.

He added: "We earnestly hope that the building will quickly acquire new owners and once again be a central part of the life of the town of Fenton."

There has been a court in Fenton since 1839, although the current building began as Fenton Town Hall in 1886.

It was designed in a combination of late Gothic and Tudor styles by Robert Scrivener and Sons and originally had a spire which was removed for safety reasons.

District Judge David Taylor, the most senior judge at the court, said: "I feel that buildings are made buildings because of the people. And, since I started, everyone has been helpful, positive and courteous, so it is fair to say that Fenton's loss is Newcastle's gain.

"There have been a large amount of colourful characters that have sat in this position but my memories have only been formed over the past few years.

"It has taken me that long to find my way around."

The new court in Newcastle will sit for the first time on Monday.

It has been upgraded with disabled access and has the capacity for seven courts, while the Fenton building had five.

Mr Goodall said: "Fenton has very poor access for the disabled, and with its cramped administration areas it was deemed no longer fit for purpose."

Magistrate Joyce Bishop, aged 65, from Blythe Bridge, knows the building better than most after she lived in it with her parents when it was part of the old police station in 1957.

She said: "This building holds a lot of memories for me both personal and professional.

"When I became a magistrate it was strange coming back in because everything looked different.

"But now the court is moving and I hope the building goes to a good use."

The building is now set to be placed on the market.

Businessman Martin Weaver, aged 36, from Fenton, said: "I hope the community will have a chance to use the building and it won't just get boarded up."

Comments

Lots of people care about Fenton. This South hub for the council that is talked about, it should be this building. its down it this and Longton Town Hall, and Fenton needs it more then Longton. Longton has a lot going for it with things, Fenton needs this.

@ stevenweiss
A good idea. Civic Offices in Fenton will bring life to the Town and save the people of Stoke-on-Trent millions. And parking will be very much better.
Also available would be the Library, Police Station and Magistrates Court. I think your suggestion is financially and geographically brilliant.
Wonder what madcap reasons our Councillors will invent when they reject it?

Oh dear! I was dragged up in Fenton, in Temple St (houses now gone). Went to Fenton C of E School (now gone). As soon as I was old enough (aged 8) joined the Library (now closed), went to Blackpool from Fenton Station (now closed), had wartime lunch at the British Restaurant in the Town Hall (now closing).
That's progress for you. I wonder why I'm so sad?

The spire was removed for safety reasons? What..was it too sharp? Too high?
Why not let stoke city council move their offices into it if they want to get out of stoke town centre. It is a beautiful building and has already lasted longer than the Civic Centre which must be a shoddy shack if it's uninhabitable already. They should leap at the opportunity to work in such a fine historic building.

We all hope something can be done. The local Councillors have given up on Fenton for the 'Bigger Picture' which is Hanley. There is no development plan for Fenton other than closing everything and spending every penny on Hanley and their personal fantasy and indulgence of a new Council building, cost up to and beyond £1million
Fenton Town Hall was built by the Baker family a local pottery manufacture. It was given to the people of Fenton, although was later sold by the family to the City of Stoke-on-Trent. When the courts and police station was redeveloped in 1968 Staffordshire CC became tenants. Not sure if it was purchased, I suspect not as no one in authority will divulge any information. Later about 1989 it reverted to the control of Ministry of Justice again probably as tenants not as owners, but someone might divulge this. Now the Ministry want to sell the building to go into the black hole which created by both the labour and Con/Lib Government. The sale of the building will also enhance the sale of other property currently owned by the LA especially the Library.
Warren-Lloyd says 'the view of the square with the town hall, and that lovely church is one that says Stoke on Trent to me, we can't let it go."
The square, Albert Square to be exact is a conservation area and the War Memorial and Christ Church are both grade 2 listed buildings with English Heritage; the Town Hall is not. Can I also mention there are several war memorials within the building, one ceramic one commemorating the fallen in the First World War I suspect is a priceless masterpiece and would also be under threat? Our local councillors and MP don't want the building to be listed as it would put certain barriers in place for prospective purchasers. I can however reveal that a application has been submitted to English Heritage to have the building listed, supported by both the Fenton Residents Association and Justin Meath Baker. Please support this.
As Glen Parke's says, why the building can't be given back to the Meath family to be developed for the people of Fenton and for the city. It is not a matter of saving a building for the buildings sake, it is the history and the architecture of the area which is at stake.